Apparatus and methods for dispensing pre-filled containers with precisely-applied patient-specific information

ABSTRACT

Apparatus and methods for fulfillment of patient prescription orders by adapting a standard or stock container pre-filled with medication or the like for use as a patient-specific container through precise application of patient-specific information to the pre-filled container. Precise placement of the patient-specific information to the pre-filled container enables pharmacy management to fully utilize valuable information provided with the pre-filled container, thereby improving the quality of service to the patient while making the process of prescription order fulfillment more efficient. In general, preferred embodiments comprise control apparatus and information-application apparatus. In embodiments, the information-application apparatus is adapted to place a patient-specific label on the container. Preferred forms of the information-application apparatus include a label printer and a positioner. The preferred printer applies patient-specific information on a label. The preferred positioner orients the pre-filled container to receive the label from the printer such that information provided with the container is available for use.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED PATENT APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.15/845,731, filed Dec. 18, 2017, which is a continuation of U.S.application Ser. No. 14/619,913, filed Feb. 11, 2015, now U.S. Pat. No.9,878,853, which is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.13/536,594, filed Jun. 28, 2012, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,986,476, which is acontinuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 11/142,979, filed Jun. 2,2005, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,231,749, all of which are incorporated hereinby reference in their entireties.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The field relates in general to the dispensing of medication and likeproducts and, more specifically, to the application of patient-specificinformation to containers used to hold such medication and products.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The efficient and accurate dispensing of medication and like products bya pharmacy is important to the process of fulfilling patientprescription orders. Fulfillment of a patient prescription order refersto the process of providing medication and other articles and things toa patient (or care giver acting for the patient) responsive to aprescription. The prescription order may be fulfilled by any suitablepharmacy including, for example, retail pharmacies, mail orderoutpatient pharmacies, and hospital/extended care inpatient pharmacies.

A prescription order fulfilled by such pharmacies will typicallycomprise one or more prescriptions for medication and may include otherarticles and things, such as nutriceuticals (e.g, nutritionalsupplements and vitamins), over-the-counter (“OTC”) medications,therapeutics, medication applicators, bandages, tape and like items. Itis of the utmost importance to fulfill each prescription order such thatthe patient is provided with the correct medication, products, articlesand things of the highest quality and to do so in a way which is ascost-effective as possible.

One way of fulfilling patient prescription orders for medication andlike items has been to provide medication in a pre-filled container,such as a bottle, vial or other container type. The pre-filledcontainers are typically loaded by the manufacturer, repackager or othersupplier. The pre-filled containers are delivered to the pharmacyresponsible for fulfillment of the patient prescription orders whereuponthey are kept in stock or inventory without special modification of thepre-filled containers. The pre-filled containers are a stock item.

The pre-filled containers are provided in various volumetric sizes, suchas 75, 120 and 200 cubic centimeter containers. The pre-filledcontainers are typically loaded with a specific quantity of one or moremedications or the like. The medications and like products may be in anysuitable form such as tablets, powders or liquids.

After loading, a removable safety seal, such as a film or foil seal, maybe applied across the container opening. A cap or other closure is thenapplied across the container opening. The closure can be any suitabletype, such as a screw-on cap or a snap-fit cap. The closure is typicallychild-resistant and is replaceable over the opening, permitting thepre-filled container to be repeatably opened and closed to remove themedication. A tamper-evident neck seal may be applied to the cap.

The pre-filled containers are removed from inventory at the pharmacywhen needed to fulfill a patient prescription order. Typically, a labelincluding patient-specific information as required by the prescriptionorder is applied to the container. Depending on the resources of thepharmacy, the pre-filled containers may be removed from inventory bymeans of an automatic product dispenser or may be selected frominventory by a pharmacy worker who might retrieve the desired pre-filledcontainer from a pharmacy storage location. Labels containing thepatient-specific information may be applied by an automatic labeler orapplied by hand.

There are many advantages to using pre-filled containers for fulfillmentof patient prescription orders. One very important advantage is that thepre-filled containers are provided with detailed information, orindicia, which fully identifies the medication held in the pre-filledcontainer. Such information is of critical value to pharmacy management,physicians, health care workers and, above all, the patient. Theinformation permits proper and efficient handling of the pre-filledcontainer throughout the entire distribution process, from point ofmanufacture (or repackaging) to delivery to the patient.

Information provided on the pre-filled containers may include themanufacturer or supplier name, medication type, medication strength anddescription, lot number, expiration date and a National Drug Code(“NDC”) identification symbol. Other important information may beprovided such as drug interaction notices and a photograph, text orother representation or description of the appearance of the medicationor product in the container. Information on the pre-filled containers isregulated by pharmacy and/or Food and Drug Administration regulations.As regulations change over time, the information on the pre-filledcontainers will change to comply with the new regulations.

The information provided on or with the pre-filled containers istypically in the form of both human-readable and machine-readableinformation. Bar codes consisting of spaced-apart light and darkelements are one example of a form of machine-readable information whichmay be provided on the pre-filled containers. Radio FrequencyIdentification (“RFD”) tags are another type of machine-readableinformation which may be associated with pre-filled containers. Theinformation provided on or with the pre-filled containers enablespharmacy management to immediately identify the medication contained ineach pre-filled container and to easily manage an inventory of suchpre-filled containers using commercially available inventory managementtools.

Another advantage of pre-filled containers is that the use of suchcontainers enables pharmacy management to provide better, less expensiveservice to the patient. For example, pharmacy management can providebetter control over the quality, consistency and purity of themedication because the pre-filled container remains sealed from thepoint of manufacture or repackaging, up to and including delivery to thepatient. And, errors associated with selecting an incorrect medicationor miscounting medication are reduced or avoided completely becausemanual hand or machine counting of individual tablets is unnecessary.

Avoidance of manual hand or machine counting of tablets frees thepharmacist to consult with the patient, thereby providing a higherstandard of care. By reducing the labor required to fulfill the order,pharmacy management is able to better control cost. And, use ofpre-filled containers with clear markings and content descriptionsprovides an opportunity for improved control over valuable medicationand product inventory.

However, there are disadvantages to existing methods of utilizingpre-filled containers in the prescription order fulfillment process. Inorder to convert one of many identical pre-filled containers for use asa patient-specific container for fulfillment of a patient prescriptionorder, it is necessary to affix patient-specific information to thecontainer. This is typically accomplished by affixing an adhesive-backedlabel to the pre-filled container. The labels are supplied on a releaseliner (such as wax paper or the like) and are removably affixed to therelease liner. The information may be affixed to the label in anysuitable manner, such as by printing with any commercially-availableprinter. The patient-specific information affixed to the label willinclude important information such as the patient name, medication type,medication strength and description, physician information, signa,instructions for taking the medication and one or more types ofmachine-readable information, such as a bar code.

Disadvantageously, the use of known label applicators or handapplication of labels can result in indiscriminate application of thelabels. Indiscriminate application of a label represents a problem topharmacy management because some or all of the valuable informationprovided on the pre-filled containers may be covered and obscured by thelabel. As a result, the information provided with the pre-filledcontainer may be rendered unusable to pharmacy management, patient orothers in the prescription order fulfillment chain.

As an example, pharmacy management may wish to match the contents of thepre-filled container to the prescription order by utilizing both themanufacturer-applied bar code on the pre-filled container and the barcode printed on the patient-specific label. A match of the bar codeinformation on the pre-filled container and on the label provides apowerful indication that the correct medication, at the correctstrength, has been matched to the correct patient. However, if the barcode on the pre-filled container is covered by the label then thisverification process is not possible.

By way of further example, pharmacy management may wish to read a lotnumber or expiration date of the labeled container following applicationof the patient-specific label. Or, a patient who has received apre-filled container in fulfillment of her prescription order may wishto read a drug interaction notice or other element of informationprovided by the manufacturer or repackager. None of this is possible ifthe patient-specific label covers or obscures some or all of theinformation provided on the pre-filled container.

One approach to dispensing pre-filled containers is described in U.S.Patent Application Publication No. 2003/0216831. The system shown in thepublication employs a laser to engrave information on a special labelapplied to the container. This approach, while quite effective for theintended use, requires that the containers be provided with a speciallabel having a region for receiving the laser-engraved information.Containers as generally provided by the manufacturer, repackager orother supplier do not include such specialized labels.

It would be a significant advance in the art to provide an apparatus andmethod permitting pharmacy management to automatically convertnon-patient-specific pre-filled containers from stock into use aspatient-specific containers and to do so in a way which would permitpharmacy management to fully utilize and optimize the use of informationprovided on the pre-filled container by the manufacturer, repackager orother supplier.

SUMMARY

The subject matter described herein represents an improvement to theprocess of fulfilling patient prescription orders. A patient refers toany person seeking fulfillment of a prescription. More specifically, thesubject matter described herein enables pharmacy management toautomatically convert non-patient-specific pre-filled containers ofmedication, nutriceuticals, OTC medications, therapeutics and likeproducts into patient-specific containers as required by the patient'sprescription order.

These pre-filled containers are standard “stock” containers because thepre-filled containers are in a form as provided by the manufacturer,repackager or other supplier and utilized by the pharmacy without anyrequirement for modification of the pre-filled containers prior toconversion of each container to a patient-specific container. As can bereadily appreciated, it is advantageous to utilize pre-filled stockcontainers because pharmacy management is not required to incur furthercosts associated with modification of the containers before adaptingthem for use as patient-specific containers.

Conversion of such pre-filled containers to patient-specific pre-filledcontainers is advantageously accomplished in a way which optimizes theuse and value of information already provided on each pre-filledcontainer, thereby providing pharmacy management with greater controlover fulfillment of the prescription order and over costs associatedtherewith.

This result is achieved through closely controlled and precise automaticapplication of patient-specific indicia including patient-specificinformation to each pre-filled container. Put another way, applicationof the patient-specific information on the pre-filled container is notindiscriminate as is the case with known automaticinformation-application systems.

The improvements described herein enable placement of thepatient-specific information on the pre-filled container such that thepatient-specific information and a selected or predetermined portion ofinformation already on the pre-filled container can be observed and usedby the pharmacy personnel. Without such control over informationplacement, useful information on the pre-filled container would berandomly covered, obscured or impaired by the patient-specificinformation and thereby rendered unusable. And, this result isaccomplished without having to alter the form of the standard or stockpre-filled stock container to ready such pre-filled stock container toreceive the patient-specific information.

In a preferred embodiment, an information-application apparatus isutilized to automatically and precisely apply patient-specificinformation to the pre-filled stock container. Suitable controlapparatus is provided to control operation of theinformation-application apparatus. The control apparatus may be anysuitable control or combination of controls.

In certain embodiments, the information-application apparatus is adaptedto precisely place a patient-specific label on the pre-filled stockcontainer. A preferred information-application apparatus includes anoutput device, such as a printer or print engine, and a positioner. Thepreferred printer is a label printer which generates a label includingsecond indicia including patient-specific information. The printer mayapply information to the label in any suitable manner. The positionerdirects the pre-filled container to a position for precisely receivingthe leading edge of the label so that the label is in the desiredposition when fully affixed to the pre-filled container. The position inwhich the pre-filled container is precisely positioned to receive thelabel or other form of patient-specific indicia is referred to herein asan “indicia-receiving position.” The patient-specific label is thenapplied to the pre-filled container. Application of the label is suchthat, after label application, the patient-specific information and apredetermined portion of the information on the pre-filled container areobservable and available for use.

The positioner component of the information-application apparatuspreferably comprises a container gripper and a drive mechanism. Thedrive mechanism is operative to precisely orient a gripped pre-filledcontainer to receive the label. It is preferred that theinformation-application apparatus is adapted for use with pre-filledcontainers that are generally in the form of a cylinder. Examples arebottles and the like. In such embodiments, the drive mechanism comprisesa drive roller and a motor in power-transmission relationship with thedrive roller. The gripper comprises a pair of idler rollers which arespaced apart from the drive roller. The idler rollers are positionableto urge a pre-filled container against the drive roller such thatrotation of the drive roller moves the pre-filled container to thelabel-receiving position. In this embodiment, the pre-filled containeris held in place for application of the label by three points ofcontact.

In certain embodiments, the information-application apparatus printercomprises a label source, a print element adapted to print theinformation on a label and a feed mechanism adapted to supply labelmaterial to the print element. The feed mechanism, or a separate drivemechanism applies a printed label to a pre-filled container.

Most preferably, the drive roller and pre-filled container form a nipadjacent the printer, and the feed mechanism feeds the printed labelinto the nip and into contact with the pre-filled container. Rotation ofthe pre-filled container by the drive roller draws the label into thenip. The adhesive-containing side of the label is urged against thepre-filled container to adhere the label to the pre-filled container.

Preferably, each pre-filled container is identified to theinformation-application apparatus by means of a reader apparatus. Thereader apparatus may comprise one reader or a plurality of readers. Thereader reads container-identification information associated with eachpre-filled container and communicates that information to the controlapparatus resulting in identification of the pre-filled container. Sucha reader could be an optical reader adapted to scan a bar code. Thereader may also be adapted to identify an RFID transponder including acode representing the pre-filled container contents. The readerapparatus could include one or both of these capabilities or couldcomprise separate optical and RFID readers.

Following identification, the control apparatus obtains positioninginformation used to operate the information-application apparatuspositioner to position the pre-filled container. The information ispreferably in a database accessed by the control apparatus. Inembodiments, the database includes positioning information for eachpre-filled container enabling the positioner to move the pre-filledcontainer to the label-receiving position. In embodiments, thepre-filled container is positioned relative to a reference pointassociated with each pre-filled container. The reference point may beany suitable mark, structure (such as a key formed in the pre-filledcontainer bottom surface) or thing. The position of the identifiedpre-filled container is identified by reference to the reference point.The control apparatus then enables operation of the positioner toposition the pre-filled container in the indicia-receiving position.

In certain embodiments, the gripper may be adapted to accommodate arange of different sizes of the pre-filled containers. For example, thegripper can be configured to accommodate pre-filled containers havingdifferent circumferences. In such embodiments, it is preferred that thegripper comprises a pair of idler roller supports each of which supportsan idler roller. The supports for the idler rollers are movable towardand away from the other to accommodate different pre-filled containercircumferences. It is preferred that an actuator moves each supportunder control of the control apparatus. This arrangement permits thepre-filled container to be positioned so that the label can be receivedin the nip irrespective of the container circumference.

The control apparatus may be any suitable combination of controls andmay include apparatus such as a computer separately and/or incombination with other control components. The control apparatuspreferably includes a set of instructions which operate the positionerto move the pre-filled container to the indicia-receiving position,operate the printer to print the second indicia and operate theinformation-application apparatus to apply the second indicia to thepre-filled container.

The information-application apparatus may be utilized in a variety ofconfigurations including as part of a fully or partially automatedprescription fulfillment system or as a stand-alone unit.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The foregoing and other objects, features and advantages of theinvention will be apparent from the following more particulardescription of preferred embodiments, as illustrated in the accompanyingdrawings in which like reference characters refer to the same partsthroughout the different views. The drawings are not necessarily toscale, emphasis instead being placed upon illustrating the principles ofthe invention.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary pre-filled stock container.In the embodiment shown, indicia including information relating to thepre-filled container contents is provided on a label. The information isin stylized form.

FIG. 2 illustrates the exemplary label of FIG. 1 separate from thepre-filled container. Information relating to the pre-filled containercontents is shown.

FIG. 3 is an exemplary patient-specific label with indicia includinginformation relating to a patient's prescription order.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the pre-filled stock container of FIG. 1with the patient-specific label of FIG. 3 precisely positioned thereon.The information is in stylized form.

FIG. 5 illustrates the exemplary labels of FIG. 4 but separate from thepre-filled container. Information relating to the pre-filled containercontents and the patient's prescription order is shown.

FIGS. 6A and 6B illustrate exemplary alternative forms of pre-filledstock containers.

FIG. 7 is a schematic illustration showing components of an exemplarydispensing system including an exemplary information-applicationapparatus.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of an exemplary automatic pre-filledcontainer dispenser.

FIG. 9 is a schematic illustration showing components of an exemplarysystem including exemplary dispenser, container transport andinformation-application apparatus.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of an exemplary information-applicationapparatus and a portion of a container transport mechanism. Componentsof a positioner apparatus and a printer apparatus are shown. Certainparts are shown in dotted line or are not shown to facilitateunderstanding of the apparatus.

FIG. 11 is further perspective view of the information-applicationapparatus of FIG. 10.

FIG. 12 is further perspective view of the information-applicationapparatus of FIG. 10.

FIG. 13A is a schematic illustration of the information-applicationapparatus of FIG. 10 shown in a position receiving a pre-filledcontainer.

FIG. 13B is a further schematic illustration of theinformation-application apparatus of FIGS. 10 and 13A shown in aposition identifying the pre-filled container before application ofpatient-specific information thereto.

FIG. 13C is a further schematic illustration of theinformation-application apparatus of FIGS. 10 and 13A shown in anindicia-receiving position with the pre-filled container oriented toreceive the leading edge of the label.

FIG. 13D is a further schematic illustration of theinformation-application apparatus of FIGS. 10 and 13A shown in aposition receiving a precisely-positioned label with patient-specificinformation.

FIG. 13E is a further schematic illustration of theinformation-application apparatus of FIGS. 10 and 13A shown in aposition verifying the pre-filled container following application of thepatient-specific information and label.

FIG. 13F is a further schematic illustration of theinformation-application apparatus of FIGS. 10 and 13A shown in aposition releasing the pre-filled container.

FIG. 13G is a further schematic illustration of theinformation-application apparatus of FIGS. 10 and 13A but with apre-filled container of a smaller size than the pre-filled container ofFIGS. 13A-13F.

FIGS. 14A, 14B and 14C are a single logic flow diagram showing exemplaryprocess steps for operation of an exemplary information-applicationapparatus.

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of anexemplary information-application apparatus shown mounted to anautomatic dispenser. Certain parts are cut away to facilitateunderstanding of the apparatus.

FIG. 16 is a perspective view of a further alternative embodiment of anexemplary information-application apparatus shown as a stand-aloneapparatus. Certain parts are cut away or not shown to facilitateunderstanding of the apparatus.

FIG. 17 is a perspective view of the embodiment of FIG. 16. Certainparts are cut away or not shown to facilitate understanding of theapparatus.

FIG. 18A is a schematic illustration showing components of an exemplarydispensing system including the information-application apparatus ofFIG. 15.

FIG. 18B is a schematic illustration showing components of an exemplarydispensing system including the information-application apparatus ofFIGS. 16-17.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Referring first to FIGS. 7-18B, exemplary automaticinformation-application apparatus 10, 10′ and 10″ are shown.Information-application apparatus 10, 10′ and 10″ are adapted togenerate a patient-specific label 56 and to precisely place label 56 onpre-filled stock container 22. In general, information applicationapparatus 10, 10′ and 10″ comprises an output device, preferably in theform of a label printer (or print engine) 12, together with positioner14 and controller 16. Throughout the detailed description, likecomponents for each apparatus 10, 10′ and 10″ are identified by commonreference numbers. Positioner 14 preferably comprises container gripper18, drive mechanism 20 and related components. Gripper 18 and drivemechanism 20 are operative to precisely orient a pre-filled container 22to receive patient-specific information generated by printer 12.

Referring next to FIGS. 1, 4, 6A and 6B, there are shown representativepre-filled containers 22. Reference number 22 will be associated witheach such pre-filled container 22, and such reference number is used torefer to both single pre-filled containers 22 and plural pre-filledcontainers 22.

A pre-filled container 22 is a container loaded with a medicament,nutriceutical, therapeutic agent or like product or thing. Thepre-filled containers 22 are “stock” articles meaning that suchpre-filled containers 22 are capable of being used in the same form asprovided by the manufacturer, repackager or other supplier without anyrequirement for modification of the pre-filled container 22 prior toapplication of patient-specific information. Each such pre-filledcontainer 22 is referred to herein as a pre-filled stock container 22, apre-filled container 22 or simply as a container 22.

Pre-filled containers 22 are loaded, or pre-filled, with one or morearticles or things at the point of manufacture or repackaging. Thepre-filled container 22 contents may be in any form and quantity. Forexample, pre-filled container 22 contents may comprise bulk-form tabletssuch as capsules, caplets, ellipses, ovals, triangles, balls,multi-angles and the like. Other forms of pre-filled container 22contents, such as liquids and powders, may be loaded in pre-filledcontainers 22.

Pre-filled containers 22 typically vary in size and shape. For example,pre-filled containers 22 may be provided in volumetric sizes, such as75, 120, 200 cubic centimeters. It is preferred that pre-filledcontainers 22 are provided in a shape which is generally cylindrical.Examples are the pre-filled containers 22 shown in FIGS. 1, 4 and 6A.Exemplary apparatus represented by reference numbers 10, 10′ and 10″ areconfigured for use with pre-filled containers 22 having a shape which isgenerally cylindrical. However, apparatus 10, 10′ and 10″ may beconfigured to accommodate other container 22 shapes such as thegenerally-rectangular shaped pre-filled container 22 shown in FIG. 6B.Containers 22 are typically, but not exclusively, made of plasticmaterials.

Pre-filled containers 22 include an opening (not shown) through whichone or more articles are loaded into each container 22. A removablesafety seal (not shown), such as a film or foil seal, may be appliedacross such container opening after contents of pre-filled container 22are loaded therein. A cap 23 or other closure is then applied across thepre-filled container opening. Cap 23 can be any suitable type, such as ascrew-on cap (FIGS. 1, 4 and 6B) or a snap-fit cap (FIG. 6A). Cap 23 istypically child-resistant and is replaceable over the opening ofpre-filled container 22 permitting pre-filled container 22 to berepeatably opened and closed to remove the container 22 contents. Atamper-evident neck seal (not shown) may be applied to or over cap 23.

Referring further to FIGS. 1-2 and 4-6B, pre-filled containers 22 areprovided by the manufacturer, repackager or other supplier with indicia24 to describe the pre-filled container 22 contents and to provide otherinformation important to the pharmacy, care giver, patient and othersinvolved in the distribution chain. Indicia 24 are not limited to anyparticular type or form, and indicia 24 shown and described herein aremerely illustrative. Indeed, the type and form of indicia 24 will varyconsiderably given the number of products and parties in thedistribution chain.

Indicia 24 may be applied to each pre-filled stock container 22 in anysuitable manner. One manner of associating indicia 24 with pre-filledcontainer 22 is to apply indicia 24 to an adhesive-backed label 26affixed to pre-filled container 22. Indicia 24 could be applied in otherways, such as by application directly to outer surface 25. Label 26 maybe wrapped fully or partially around outer surface 25 of pre-filledcontainer 22. The label 26 shown in FIG. 1 is wrapped partially aroundpre-filled container 22 outer surface 25 such that a portion 27 ofpre-filled container 22 outer surface 25 is free of contact with label26.

FIGS. 2 and 5 show detail of exemplary indicia 24 associated with thepre-filled container 22 of FIGS. 1 and 4. In the embodiment, indicia 24are affixed to an adhesive-backed label 26. Among the exemplaryinformation comprising indicia 24 are: the name and address of themanufacturer 28 and/or repackager 30, the type 32, strength 34,description 36, lot number 38, expiration date 40 and quantity 44 of themedication loaded in pre-filled container 22 and a National Drug Codeidentifier (“NDC”) 42. NDC 42 comprises a code which serves as a uniqueidentifier of pre-filled container 22 and its contents. Otherinformation which may comprise indicia 24 includes instructions forhandling and storage 46 of pre-filled container 22 and notices 48relating to the container 22 contents. The U.S. Food and DrugAdministration, other regulatory agencies and pharmacies regulate theinformation provided as indicia 24. As regulations and other demandschange over time, indicia 24 associated with pre-filled containers 22will change to comply with such new regulations and requirements.

Indicia 24 may be in the form of both human-readable information andmachine-readable information as shown in FIGS. 1-2 and 4-6B.Human-readable information may include information such as described inconnection with reference numbers 28-48. Machine-readable informationmay include any information or data storage device capable of being readby a machine.

An example of machine-readable information is a bar code 50. Bar code 50comprises spaced apart light and dark elements. Typical bar code 50formats include UPC, Code 39, Interleaved 2 of 5 and Code 128. Theelements comprising bar code 50 can be read with a bar code scanningdevice (not shown) to generate a signal corresponding to a code.Representative scanning devices may include a laser scanner or camera.As is known, a bar code 50 acts as an index to a record in a database.Recognition of bar code 50 accesses associated information in thedatabase.

In the example, bar code 50 includes a code corresponding to NDC 42.Scanning of bar code 50, therefore, enables pharmacy management torapidly and accurately identify the unique signature of pre-filledcontainer 22 and to use that information for any purpose, including totrack pre-filled container 22 in inventory and to match pre-filledcontainer 22 to a particular patient prescription order. And, scanningof bar code 50 may be used to control the process of applyingpatient-specific information to pre-filled container 22 using apparatus10, 10′ and 10″ as described herein.

Machine-readable information in combination with, or in place of, barcode 50 can be associated with pre-filled container 22. For example, atwo-dimensional (“2D”) bar code (not shown) may be used. A bar code in2D format links to information in a database but also serve as adatabase including the capability to encode up to several thousandcharacters of machine-readable data. 2D symbol formats which may be usedare PDF417 and Data Matrix symbologies. PDF417 symbologies can be readby laser scanners, cameras, or other instruments using opticallysensitive devices such as charge-coupled devices (“CCDs”). Matrixsymbols are read by a camera or CCD reader.

A data storage device such as a Radio Frequency Identification (“RFID”)tag 51 may be associated with each pre-filled container 22. As is known,an RFID system uses electromagnetic or electrostatic coupling in theradio frequency (“RF”) portion of the electromagnetic spectrum totransmit signals. An RFID system comprises a transponder 51 (alsoreferred to as a “tag”), an antenna and a transceiver. Antenna andtransceiver may be included as part of reader 86 or as separatecomponents. Tag 51 is an integrated circuit containing RF circuitry andinformation to be transmitted. The antenna receives the RF. Thetransceiver reads the RF and transfers the information to a processingdevice such as computer 104. Tag 51 may be affixed to pre-filledcontainer 22 at any location, not necessarily in a position which can bevisually observed from the outside of pre-filled container 22. Tag 51may be encoded with any suitable information, such as NDC 42. It isexpected that the type and form of machine-readable information willevolve over time. Future improvements in such technology are intended tobe within the scope of the systems and methods described herein.

Referring to FIGS. 2 and 5, a reference point 52 is provided.Information-application apparatus 10, 10′ and 10″ utilizes referencepoint 52 to identify a position of pre-filled container 22 so thatpre-filled container 22 can be oriented and located in theindicia-receiving position. Reference point 52 can be a point on label26 which is at a transition between a light and dark region of label 26,such as the leading edge of bar code 50 as shown in FIGS. 2 and 5 oranother mark on pre-filled container 22 or label 26. Reference point 52could be a mechanical element of pre-filled container 22, such as akey-type indentation or protrusion (not shown) which mates with a keyway (not shown) on positioner 14. The manner in which reference point 52is used to orient pre-filled container 22 to the indicia-receivingposition to receive patient-specific indicia 54 is fully described inconnection with FIGS. 13C and 14A-14C below.

As can be readily appreciated, indicia 24 or elements of indicia 24 areof immense value to each party in the distribution chain. For example,persons involved in distribution of pre-filled containers 22 may use theinformation comprising indicia 24 (particularly bar code 50 or tag 51)to track pre-filled container 22 in inventory. Persons involved infulfillment of patient prescription orders may use the informationcomprising indicia 24 to select pre-filled container 22, to verify thatthe medication loaded in pre-filled container 22 is as called for by theprescription and to process payment for the container contents. And, thepatient herself will use the information comprising indicia 24 forguidance in taking medication loaded in pre-filled container 22. It isimportant that the information comprising indicia 24 be accessible forthose involved in distribution and use of containers 22.

A generic pre-filled stock container 22 may be converted for use as apatient-specific container as illustrated in FIGS. 3-5 by applyingpatient-specific indicia 54 to the pre-filled container 22. Theinformation associated with pre-filled container 22 may be optimized byprecise application of the patient-specific indicia 54 as determined bypharmacy management such that indicia 24 are not impaired or obscuredand may be read by a human and/or a machine. As shown in the embodimentof FIGS. 3-5, patient-specific indicia 54 are of the type which isaffixed to an adhesive-backed label 56 for application over some or allof label 26 and indicia 24 as determined by pharmacy management. Indicia54 are preferably specific to the patient for whom container 22 isdesignated.

Among the exemplary information comprising indicia 54 are: the patientname 58, pharmacy name, street address, Internet address and telephonenumber 60, the type 62, strength 64, quantity 66 of the medication, theprescription number 68, fill date 70, physician name 72, a textdescription or image of the appearance of the container contents 74 andrefill information 76. And, indicia 54 may include one or more types ofmachine-readable information, such as a bar code 78 of the typesdescribed herein. An RFID tag (not shown) of the type described inconnection with tag 51 may be affixed to label 56 and associated withpatient-specific indicia 54. Such bar code 78 or other information maybe used to uniquely associate pre-filled container 22 with a specificpatient prescription order by computer 104 and database 106. PharmacyBoards regulate the information included in indicia 54. As regulationschange in the future, the information comprising indicia 54 would beexpected to change to comply with new regulations.

Referring next to FIGS. 7-13G, information-application apparatus 10 willbe described in the context of an automated workflow management system(“WMS”) 80. As illustrated and described in connection with FIGS.15-18B, information-application apparatus 10 may be used in applicationsother than system 80. For example, apparatus 10′ is shown in combinationwith an automatic dispenser 226 (FIGS. 15 and 18A) while apparatus 10″is configured for use as a stand-alone unit (FIGS. 16-17 and 18B).Information-application apparatus 10′ and 10″ are essentially identicalto apparatus, particularly with respect to printer 12 and positionercomponents 14 and it will be understood that the description ofapparatus 10 also applies to information-application apparatus 10′ and10″.

System 80 illustrated schematically in FIG. 7 represents an automatedWMS for use in processing patient prescription orders. System 80comprises plural automated components including container dispenser 82,container transport mechanism 84, information-application apparatus 10(including printer 12, positioner 14 and reader 86), containercollection and sortation apparatus 88, and control apparatus 16 forcontrolling operation of such components.

Referring more specifically to FIG. 7, system 80 includes a containerdispenser 82, a container transport mechanism 84,information-application apparatus 10 (including reader 86, positioner14, and printer 12) and a container collection and sortation apparatuscomponent 88. Control apparatus 16 controls operation of components 82,84, 10 and 88. Control apparatus 16 comprises computer 104 andcontrollers 94, 95, 96 and 98. Interface 108 is provided fortransmission of information between computer 104 and one or more ofcontrollers 94, 95, 96 and 98 and components 82, 84, 10 and 88.

Computer 104 includes display 110, keyboard 112 and mouse 114 to permitpharmacy management to interact with system 80. Computer 104 may run aprescription processing software program such as PPS from AutoMedTechnologies, Inc. of Vernon Hills, Ill. The PPS software residing oncomputer 104 enables operation of system 80 and provides informationrequired to initiate, for each container 22 pertaining to a prescriptionorder, the automatic process of: dispensing, transporting, applyinginformation and sorting and collecting. The PPS software managesoperation of all components of the system 80 for fulfillment of patientprescription orders.

A database 106 identifying pending prescription orders and eachpre-filled container 22 used in system 80 resides on computer 104.Database 106 includes information uniquely identifying each of thepre-filled containers 22 by means of a machine-readable code, such asbar code 50 or an RFID tag 51. Database 106 also includes, for eachpre-filled container 22, information necessary to precisely positioncontainer 22 for precise application of patient-specific indicia 54 tocontainer outer surface 25 as described in full detail below. Database106 may include other information of use to pharmacy management, such asa complete record of all prescription orders filled by system 80.

Controllers 94, 95, 96 and 98 are provided to enable operation of thecorresponding component or components 82, 84, 10 and 88 of system 80.Controllers 94, 95, 96 and 98 may, for example, be programmable logiccontrollers (“PLC”). Representative PLCs for use as controllers 94, 95,96, 98 are Allen-Bradley® Micrologix PLCs available from RockwellAutomation of Milwaukee, Wis. Controllers 94, 95, 96 and 98 may compriseother types of controls, for example, one or more microcontrollers (notshown) associated with the information-application apparatus 10 or othercomponents 82, 84, 86, 88. The functions of controllers 94, 95, 96, 98may be combined into fewer or more hardware elements as determined bythe system manager.

System 80 may be scaled, configured and arranged as required by pharmacymanagement. Such requirements may be based on the patient populationserved by system 80, required prescription order processing throughput,available floor space and cost considerations.

As shown schematically in FIG. 7, system 80 may optionally receiveprescription orders for fulfillment from a Pharmacy Information System(“PIS”) 100. If utilized, PIS 100 processes patient prescription ordersand releases those orders for fulfillment by system 80 followingcompletion of desired processes, such as patient data entry, drugutilization review and adjudication.

PIS 100 includes information-management software residing, for example,on computer 102. The information-management software residing oncomputer 102 may be a standard, commercially-available database engineor other information-storage software which provides functions, such asadministrative and accounting functions.

A patient prescription order is initially presented to pharmacypersonnel by a patient or other person. Data pertaining to theprescription order is entered into computer 102 of PIS 100 using anysuitable user interface, such as a client computer 101, keyboard 103,mouse 105 and display 107. Data entered typically will include, forexample, patient name, the type, strength, quantity of the medication,prescriber information (e.g. physician name), payor information, refillinformation and instructions regarding the prescription. Computer 102may automatically associate other information with the prescriptionorder, such as the pharmacy name, street address, pharmacy Internetaddress and telephone number, prescription number, fill date and a textdescription or image of the appearance of the container contents. PIS100 computer 102 typically maintains a database of information on eachpatient.

Following data entry, software residing on computer 102 is preferablyutilized to conduct a drug utilization review (“DUR”) and to adjudicateany claim with insurance or other third-party payor. Following any DURand adjudication, the patient prescription order is sent (for example asa data packet) from computer 102 to computer 104 via interface 109.Interface 109 may include any suitable information-transmissioncapability including modem, local area network (“LAN”), Internet andcombinations thereof. PIS 100 and computer 102 may be co-located withsystem 80 and computer 104 at the same site or may be located atcompletely separate sites as required by pharmacy management.

Referring now to FIGS. 7-9, automatic dispenser 82 is provided to storeand to dispense one or more pre-filled stock containers 22 from a stockor inventory of pre-filled containers 22 as required to fulfill eachpatient prescription order. Referring to FIGS. 8 and 9, dispenser 82includes a housing 116 enclosing a plurality of storage shelves of whichshelf 118 is representative. Housing 116 is preferably fabricated fromaluminum, stainless steel or plastic to be fully compatible with apharmacy setting. Housing 116 may include transparent doors 120 whichopen and close to permit access to dispenser 82 for loading ofpre-filled containers 22 onto shelves and to service the dispenser 82.

Each shelf (e.g., 118) includes suitable vertically-oriented walls 122which organize pre-filled containers 22 into rows, such as row 124. Eachrow contains one type of pre-filled container 22. The shelves, such asshelf 118, may be downwardly angled such that gravity causes containers22 in each row to slide toward the front of dispenser 82.

Each row (e.g., row 124) defines a separate shelf location known to thePPS software residing on computer 104 and identifiable to controller 94and dispenser 82 by a unique position in an x, y, z coordinate system.The unique position of each shelf location and the inventory ofpre-filled containers 22 at each shelf location is stored in the PPSdatabase 106 residing on computer 104. In addition, each shelf locationmay be indicated by a unique machine and/or human-readable code (notshown) located proximate each row, such as row 124. The shelf-associatedcode may be a bar code, RFID tag or other suitable symbology. The codemay be used to track pre-filled container 22 from its row.

Dispenser 82 controller 94 receives a signal via interface 108 fromcomputer 104. Controller 94 interprets the signal sent from computer 104and enables dispenser 82 to automatically operate to dispense apre-filled container 22 as required by the patient prescription order.For example, controller 94 may enable operation of a dispenser transportmechanism (not shown) to transport the requested pre-filled container 22from its shelf location to a position for discharge from the dispenser82. Such a dispenser transport mechanism may be configured to move in anx, y, z coordinate system between doors 120 and the shelves (e.g., 118)to the appropriate shelf location. A gripper (not shown) may beassociated with the dispenser transport mechanism and such gripper maygrip the lowermost pre-filled container 22 in the selected row. Thedispenser transport mechanism then places pre-filled container 22through chute upper opening 126 into chute 128. Pre-filled container 22falls by means of gravity down chute 128 and through chute lower opening129 for transport by the container transport mechanism 84 toinformation-application apparatus 10.

As each pre-filled container 22 is dispensed, a signal is sent bydispenser 82 to computer 104 via interface 108. Database 106 is updatedto indicate that the pre-filled container 22 corresponding to eachprescription order then being fulfilled has been dispensed and is inroute to the information-application apparatus 10. The sequence in whichpre-filled containers 22 are dispensed from dispenser 82 may be recordedin database 106 to facilitate this process of matching each pre-filledcontainer 22 to a specific patient prescription order.

The size, capacity and type of automated dispenser 82 utilized willtypically vary depending on the throughput and other needs andrequirements of pharmacy management. An exemplary dispenser 82 suitablefor use in system 80 is the FastFind® system available from AutoMedTechnologies. A FastFind dispenser may be modified to dischargepre-filled containers 22 stored therein simply by affixing chute 128thereto and directing pre-filled containers 22 to the chute 128 upperopening 126.

FIGS. 7-13G illustrate a container transport mechanism 84 fortransporting pre-filled containers 22 from dispenser 82 toinformation-application apparatus 10. Preferred transport mechanism 84comprises an endless conveyor 130. Conveyor link chain 132 is powered bya motor drive (unshown) to transport pre-filled containers 22 from or tocomponents 82, 10 and 88. Drive unit is enabled for operation bycontroller 95. Controller 95 receives a signal via interface 108 fromcomputer 104 and interprets the signal to enable operation of the driveunit to power conveyor link chain 132 at a desired rate of movement.Guide rails 134, 136 are provided adjacent link chain to directpre-filled containers 22 along the conveyor 130.

Conveyor 130 may be of any suitable type and may be arranged in anysuitable configuration to meet the requirements of the pharmacymanagement. For example, conveyor 130 may be a single-direction conveyoror a recirculating conveyor. Conveyor 130 may include single or multiplelines arranged in series or in parallel. Container-transport mechanism84 may be of types other than conveyor 130 and may comprise, forexample, a walking beam conveyor or a robotic transport apparatusconfigured to transport a single pre-filled container 22 to theinformation-application apparatus 10.

A representative conveyor 130 suitable for use as container transportmechanism 84 is a Simpli-Flex® modular conveyor system available fromSimplimatic Automation of Lynchburg, Va. The Simpli-Flex system isuseful, at least in part, because it can be easily scaled and configuredto meet the specific throughput and spacial requirements of pharmacymanagement and because it includes a wide range of link chains 132 whichcan be adapted to transport virtually any type of pre-filled container22.

FIGS. 9-13G illustrate information-application apparatus 10 and relatedcomponents. In the embodiment, information-application apparatus 10 isconfigured to precisely apply a patient-specific label 56 to thepre-filled container 22 and to do so in a way which optimizes the valueof indicia 24 provided with pre-filled container 22.

Referring further to FIGS. 9-13G, information-application apparatus 10preferably includes housing 135 (FIG. 9), base 137 and an escapementdevice 138 secured to base 137. Escapement device 138 is enabled foroperation by controller 96 responsive to a signal from computer 104 viainterface 108 to singulate movement of pre-filled containers 22 towardpositioner 14. In the example, escapement device 138 includes first 140and second 142 stops and container sensor 144. Wedge-shaped stop ends146, 148 enable the stops 140, 142 to slide easily between adjacentcontainers 22 and to separate adjacent containers 22 from one anotherthereby facilitating singulation.

A suitable actuator (not shown) enabled for operation by controller 96alternately extends and retracts stops 140, 142 between thecontainer-stop position in FIGS. 10-12 and the container-releaseposition shown in FIG. 9. The escapement device 138 actuator maycomprise, for example, rack and pinion arrangement (not shown) in whicha bi-directional motor powers a pinion gear meshed with racks associatedwith each stop 140, 142. Rotation of the pinion gear in one directionretracts stop 140 and extends stop 142, while rotation in a seconddirection extends stop 140 and retracts stop 142.

Initially, stop 140 is retracted and stop 142 is extended as shown inFIGS. 10-12. Stop 140 blocks movement of all adjacent pre-filledcontainers 22 and guide rails 134, 136 constrain arrangement of thepre-filled containers 22 into the form of a single file row as shown inFIGS. 10-12. In the embodiment, conveyor 130 link chain 132 continues tomove, sliding beneath pre-filled container 22 or containers stopped byescapement device 138 (see FIGS. 10-12).

Sensor 144 generates a signal for controller 96 and computer 104 when aheld container 22 is proximate sensor 144. Sensor 144 is preferably aphotodetector operatively connected to controller 96 and computer 104via interface 108. Preferably, each pre-filled container 22 held byescapement device 138 and proximate sensor 144 is known to computer 104through updating of database 106 as pre-filled containers 22 aredispensed from dispenser 82 and are processed by information-applicationapparatus 10.

A held pre-filled container 22 is released to positioner 14 ofinformation-application apparatus 10 when controller 96 generates asignal causing stop 140 to extend and stop 142 to retract. Wedge-shapedend 146 easily slides between adjacent containers 22 when extendedthereby enabling only one pre-filled container 22 to move past. Theprocess of extension and retraction of stops 140, 142 is repeated foreach cycle such that each pre-filled container 22 is deliveredone-by-one to positioner 14.

Referring now to FIGS. 10-13G, pre-filled containers 22 are positionedfor receiving a patient-specific label 56 by positioner 14. Positioner14 includes a container gripper 18, drive mechanism 20 and relatedcomponents. Drive mechanism 20 is operative to precisely orient agripped, pre-filled container 22 to receive patient-specific label 56.Positioner 14, gripper 18 and drive mechanism 20 are enabled foroperation by controller 96.

In the embodiment, information-application apparatus 10 is adapted toorient pre-filled containers 22 having a generally cylindrical shape,such as that shown in FIGS. 1, 4 and 6A. Drive mechanism 20 includes adrive roller 150 and a motor 152. Drive roller 150 is a generallycylindrically-shaped roller with a frictional outer surface 154 providedto positively engage and spin a pre-filled container 22 clamped againstdrive roller 150 as described herein. Drive roller surface 154 maycomprise any suitable material capable of positive engagement with outersurface 25 of pre-filled container 22. A surface 154 formed of aresilient, elastomeric material is preferred.

Drive roller 150 is mounted to a motor axle (not shown) and may be in adirect drive relationship with motor 152. Motor controller 156 isoperatively connected to controller 96 under control of the PPS residingon computer 104. As can be appreciated, motor 152 may be in anypower-transmission relationship with drive roller 150. For example,motor 152 may power drive roller 150 through a suitable gear train (notshown).

As shown in FIGS. 9-13G, gripper 18 is configured to clamp a pre-filledcontainer 22 against drive roller 150. Rotation of drive roller 150spins the clamped pre-filled container 22 for container identificationand verification and for precise application of the patient-specificinformation 54 on pre-filled container 22.

Gripper 18 shown herein preferably includes a mechanical linkage thatallows it to accommodate a range of pre-filled containers 22 withdiameters that differ and to position such pre-filled containers 22 inthe proper indicia-receiving position for application of thepatient-specific label 56 without requiring installation of a separategripper 14 or gripper part. This feature allows pharmacy management toprocess a more diverse range of prescriptions throughinformation-application apparatus 10.

Gripper 18 includes a gripper member 158, a pair of idler rollersupports 160, 162 pivotally mounted on member 158 at joint 165 and apair of unpowered idler rollers 164, 166 journaled on a respectivesupport 160, 162. Joint 165 enables supports 160, 162 to pivot towardand away from each other and drive roller 150 to capture and securelyclamp a pre-filled container 22 against drive roller 150 with threepoints of contact.

A dual-acting, air-powered linear actuator 168 extends and retractsmember 158. Member 158 is mounted on guides 170, 172. Member 158translates toward or away from drive roller 150 along guides 170, 172alternately in the directions of dual-headed arrow 174 (FIGS. 12, 13A,13B).

Separate dual-acting, air-powered linear actuators 176, 178 extend andretract a respective support 160, 162. The piston 180, 182 of respectiveactuator 176, 178 is connected to a respective support 160, 162 at apivotable linkage 184, 186. At the other end of each actuator 176, 178 alinkage 188, 190 pivotally joins each actuator 176, 178 to member 158.This arrangement permits actuators 176, 178 to move laterally withrespect to member 158 enabling idler rollers 164, 166 on supports 160,162 to grip pre-filled containers 22 with three points of contact acrossa range of different pre-filled container 22 circumferences.

A compressed air source (not shown), tubing (not shown) and suitablevalve apparatus (not shown) direct compressed air to actuators 168, 176,178 enabling such actuators to grip a pre-filled container 22 againstdrive roller 150 and to release pre-filled container 22. Controller 96enables operation of the valve apparatus and compressed air source basedon a signal received via interface 108 from computer 104. Control ofactuators 168, 176, 178 is well known to persons of skill in the art.

When the actuators 168, 176, 178 are in an extended position as shown inFIGS. 13B-13E and 13G, pre-filled container 22 is clamped against driveroller 150. Actuators 168, 176, 178 provide about five pounds/sq. inchof pressure to the idler rollers 164, 166. Actuators 168, 176, 178extend member 158 and supports 160, 162 to the position shown in FIGS.13B-13E and 13G until resistance to further extension overpowers furthermovement of actuators 168, 176, 178. In this manner, supports 160, 162and idler rollers 164, 166 are self-centering to position eachpre-filled container 22 against the drive roller 150 as part of theprocess of precisely positioning pre-filled container 22 to receivepatient specific information 54, for example on label 56.

Rotation of drive roller 150 in the direction of arrow 192 causes theclamped pre-filled container 22 to rotate in an opposite direction.Rotation of clamped pre-filled container 22 may be used to scan bar code50 to identify pre-filled container 22 to computer 104, to locatereference point 52, to rotate pre-filled container 22 to theindicia-receiving position, to apply patient-specific label 56 topre-filled container 22 and for bar code scanning after label 56 isapplied to verify to computer 104 that the correct patient-specificlabel 56 has been applied to pre-filled container 22.

Clamping of pre-filled container 22 against drive roller 150 by idlerrollers 164, 166 of gripper 14 results in formation of a nip 194 betweenouter surface 25 of pre-filled container 22 and surface 154 of driveroller 150. Nip 194 is utilized to attach the patient-specific label 56to pre-filled container 22.

Pre-filled container 22 is oriented by rotation to the indicia-receivingposition shown in FIG. 13C. Such position is the position enablingplacement of the patient-specific information in the desired location onpre-filled container 22 as pre-filled container 22 is rotated. Theindicia-receiving position will change depending on the specificlocation for placement of the patient-specific indicia 54 and the sizeand shape of pre-filled container 22.

A patient-specific label 56 is fed along a path in the direction ofarrow 196 (FIGS. 13C, 13D) and into nip 194 with an adhesive-containingside 198 facing outer surface 25 of pre-filled container 22. Theopposite rotation of drive roller 150 and of pre-filled container 22 atthe container-receiving position (FIG. 13C) draws label 56 into nip 194and against outer surface 25 of pre-filled container 22. Coaction ofidler rollers 164, 166 of gripper 18 and drive roller 150 of drivemechanism 20 urge adhesive-containing side 198 of label 56 againstpre-filled container 22 to affix label 56.

As is apparent from a comparison of FIGS. 13A-13F with FIG. 13G, gripper14 can accommodate pre-filled containers 22 of different sizes withoutchanging a gripper or gripper part. This result is achieved by means ofthe extensible member 158 and supports 160, 162 which pivot at joint165. The articulated structure of gripper 14 enables supports 160, 162and idler rollers 164, 166 to be extended as far as necessary towardpre-filled container 22 for self-centering movement to preciselyposition pre-filled container 22 in position to receive label 56.

Information-application apparatus 10 further includes a reader 86provided to identify each pre-filled container 22 to computer 104 andPPS database 106. Reader 86 may also identify the position of a grippedpre-filled container 22 so that pre-filled container 22 may be orientedfor application of label 56. Reader 86 may also be used to verify thatthe correct patient-specific information has been applied to thepre-filled container 22. Reader 86 may comprise a single device as shownin FIGS. 9-12 or may comprise a collection of devices, each adapted toread a type of information. Reader 86 is preferably configured to scanand read bar code 50 or other machine-readable indicia affixed topre-filled container 22 by the manufacturer or other supplier. A typicaloptical-type reader 86 will include a laser emitter and a detector. Asrepresented schematically in FIGS. 13B, BE and 13G, energy beam 87emitted from the reader 86 is reflected from bar code 50. The detectordetects the pattern of reflectance and reader 86 generates a signalcorresponding to code 50 which is transmitted to computer 104. Detectionof bar code 50 results in generation of a signal corresponding to theunique NDC number 42 for pre-filled container 22. The signal is matchedto information in the PPS database 106 on computer 104 to uniquelyidentify pre-filled container 22 corresponding to the bar code 50.

Reader 86 preferably detects bar code 50 as a gripped pre-filledcontainer 22 is spun by the drive roller 150 with bar code 50 movingpast reader 86. Reader 86 transmits a signal to computers 104representative of information embedded in the bar code 50. Where anoptically-detected reference point 52 is utilized, reader 86 may befurther adapted to detect reference point 52 and to communicate thatinformation to computer 104. A representative scanner is a Microscan®MS-820 industrial bar code scanner available from Microscan Systems,Inc. of Renton, Wash. Other optical systems can be used as reader 86including camera-based systems and text-reading systems.

Reader 86 may also include apparatus to identify pre-filled containers22 which include machine-readable information other than bar code 50 andother forms of optically-read information. For example, reader 86 mayinclude an RFID transceiver adapted to receive information from RFID tag51 affixed to pre-filled container 22. RFID tag 51 includes allinformation desired to identify pre-filled container 22 and informationobtained from RFID tag 51 is transmitted to computer 104 and is used toidentify pre-filled container 22 to system 80. The information mayinclude, for example, the NDC code 42 uniquely identifying pre-filledcontainer 22.

Once pre-filled container 22 is identified, it is matched to thecorresponding prescription order. Information in database 106 isaccessed and a signal sent for controller 96 via interface 108.Controller 96 interprets the signal and controls motor 152 to rotatepre-filled container 22 relative to reference point 52 and into theindicia receiving position (FIG. 13E) to receive the patient-specificinformation 54 for the specific patient prescription order.

Referring to FIGS. 7 and 9-13G, information application apparatus 10further includes a printer (or print engine) 12. In the embodiment,printer 12 is adapted to generate a patient-specific label 56 forapplication to the pre-filled container 22. An exemplary label 56 isshown in FIGS. 3-5. Printer 12 maybe a conventional printer whichpreferably includes the capability of generating indica 54 includingboth human-readable information and machine-readable information, suchas bar code 78.

Printer 12 includes a print element 200 which prints information onlabel 56. Print element 200 may be capable of generating indicia 54 inany suitable manner such as by direct thermal, thermal transfer, laseror ink-jet printing on label 56. A suitable label printer 12 is a Zebra®RII0 PAX 3 Print Engine available from Zebra Technologies Internationalof Vernon Hills, Ill. As it is expected that printer technology willevolve over time, printers suitable for use as printer 12 and which arecapable of affixing a wide range of information to a label 56 areexpressly intended to be within the scope of the invention.

Labels 56 used in conjunction with print element 200 are preferablysupplied in the form of a supply roll 202. Roll-form labels 202 arewell-suited for use in a high throughput information-applicationapparatus 10 used in a system such as system 80.

Roll 202 includes a web 204 of release liner material (e.g., wax-coatedpaper) with a plurality of labels 56 spaced apart along the web 204.Labels 56 may be die cut along web to form discrete labels.Adhesive-backed side 198 of labels 56 is removably affixed to web 204and an opposite side provided to receive information from print element200. Labels 56 may have any suitable dimensions depending on the amountof coverage over container indicia 24 desired by pharmacy management.

As shown in FIG. 9, a feed mechanism 205 is provided to unroll web 204from roll 202 and to supply labels 56 to print element 200 and topre-filled container 22. In the embodiment shown, feed mechanism 205 mayinclude any suitable apparatus for unwinding web 204 of label materialfrom supply roll 202, feeding web 204 to print element 200 and directingprinted labels 56 onto a pre-filled container 22. In the example, roll202 is preferably powered for unwinding by one or more motors (notshown). Powered rollers 206, 208, 210, 212, 214 and 216 pull web 204through printer 12 for take up by take-up roll reel 218.

Peel bar 219 separates labels 56 from release liner of web 204 bydoubling the web back progressively separating each label 56 from theweb 204 starting with the label leading edge 220 and progressivelymoving toward the label trailing edge 222. As label 56 is separated fromweb 204, skid plate 224 guides the printed surface of each label 56toward pre-filled container 22. In the embodiment shown, printed side oflabel 56 faces skid plate 224 while adhesive-backed surface 198 facesaway from skid plate 224 and toward a gripped pre-filled container 22for application thereto as described in more detail below. Waste webmaterial 204 is taken up on reel 218 and is discarded.

Application of the patient-specific indicia 54 may be verified byapparatus 10. The pre-filled container 22 is rotated until thepatient-specific bar code 78 is read by reader 86 and the correspondingpatient specific code signal is verified by computer 104 to a pendingprescription order by reference to database 106. (FIG. 13E)

After application and verification of label 56, each pre-filledcontainer 22 is released to conveyor 130 of transport mechanism 84.Conveyor 130 directs the pre-filled containers 22 to an apparatus 88structured to collect and sort pre-filled containers 22 shownschematically in FIG. 7.

The collection and sortation apparatus shown schematically by referencenumber 88 may comprise any suitable apparatus known to persons of skillin the art for collecting the pre-filled containers 22 and grouping orsorting such containers 22 by patient prescription order. Pre-filledcontainers 22 for a common prescription order may be routed into asingle lane, placed in a common tote, bag or other container orotherwise segregated from other pre-filled containers 22. In this way,all pre-filled containers 22 according to a single prescription orderare grouped together thereby facilitating verification by a pharmacistprior to providing the pre-filled containers 22 to the patient. TheOptiFill® brand robotic accumulator available from AutoMed Technologiesis an example of a collecting and sorting apparatus 88 which may beemployed in system 80. A collection and sortation apparatus 88 is not arequirement of system 80 as pre-filled containers 22 includingpatient-specific indicia 54 may be grouped manually by a pharmacy workerby other means. Articles other than pre-filled container or containers22 may be grouped with such collected and sorted pre-filled containers22, for example by combining pre-filled containers 22 with such furtherarticles in a tote assigned to a particular patient prescription order.

Referring again to FIG. 7, information necessary for operation of system80 resides on computer 104 or is accessible to computer 104. PPSsoftware residing on computer 104 or other software controls operationof the system 80 and components 10, 82, 84, 86, 88. Controllers 94, 95,96 and 98 interpret signals generated by computer 104 to enableoperation of the specific component 10, 82, 84, 86, 88. The instructionsresiding on computer 104 enable operation of positioner 14 to move eachpre-filled container 22 to a label-receiving position, operate printer12 to print patient-specific indicia 54 on, for example, label 56 andoperate apparatus 10 to apply indicia 54, for example on label 56, topre-filled container 22. The instructions are described in more detailin connection with the process of operation and methods described below.

Database 106 identifying pending prescription orders and each pre-filledcontainer 22 used in the system resides on computer 104 or is accessibleto computer 104. Database 106 includes information uniquely identifyingeach pre-filled container 22 by means of the NDC 42 or other codedetected by reader 86. Computer 104 accesses database 106 and retrievesinformation corresponding to the prescription order being filled and thecorresponding pre-filled container 22. Pre-filled container 22 ismatched to a pending patient prescription order. In addition, database106 includes, for each pre-filled container 22, positioning informationenabling positioner 14 to move each pre-filled container 22 to theproper indicia-receiving position for receiving a patient-specific label56.

In the most highly preferred embodiments, database 106 includesinformation identifying each pre-filled container 22 and furtheridentifying the time-duration of rotational displacement of pre-filledcontainer 22 necessary to position pre-filled container 22 adjacent theskid plate 224 to receive label 56 in the desired location. This is theindicia-receiving position shown in FIG. 13C. The time duration may bedetermined with reference to a time duration required for pre-filledcontainer 22 to rotate to a desired position once reference point 52 hasbeen identified to computer 104. Computer 104 through controller 96triggers operation of printer 12 at the appropriate time to locate label56 leading edge 220 exactly at the desired position. The result isprecise placement of the label 56 as shown in FIGS. 4, 5 and 13C-13G.Database 106 is programmed to generate the appropriate signal triggeringprinting based on the time duration for desired placement of indicia 54on pre-filled container 22.

For example, a representative drive roller 150 may have a 6 inchdiameter and be powered to rotate by motor 152 at 30 RPM. Thecircumference of roller 150 in the example is 18.84 inches and one fullrotation of the drive roller 140 is equal to 18.84 inches. At 30 RPM,the drive roller 150 rotates 0.5 revolution/second. Therefore speed is9.42 inches/second at 30 RPM (18.84 inches/rotation×0.5rotations/second).

Table 1 sets forth the operational time for rotation of pre-filledcontainer 22 15 following detection of reference point 52 based on theexemplary conditions set forth above.

TABLE 1 Spacial Distance Between Position of Pre-Filled ContainerRelative to Pre-Filled Reference Point and Label Container Leading EdgeTime Duration of Rotation Example Placement (Inches) (Seconds) 1 1.000.106 seconds (106 msec) 2 3.00 0.318 seconds (318 msec) 3 0.50 0.053seconds (53 msec)

For a selected pre-filled container 22, it may be desired to place theleading edge 220 of patient-specific label 56 on pre-filled container 22one inch past the position of pre-filled container 22 when referencepoint 52 is identified to computer 104 or controller 96. The timeduration of rotation would be 0.106 seconds and printer 12 would betriggered for operation such that the leading edge 220 is inserted intonip 1940.106 seconds after identification of reference point 52 tocomputer 104 or controller 96.

While label 56 and indicia 54 are shown applied to a sidewall ofpre-filled container 22, it should be noted that such indicia 54 may beapplied to other surfaces such as a bottom surface of pre-filledcontainer 22.

Orientation processes other than by use of timing can be implemented.For example, positioner 14 may orient pre-filled container 22 by meansof rotational displacement relative to reference point 52. And, use of akey associated with pre-filled container 22 and mating key way can beused to ensure displacement of pre-filled container 22 to the desiredposition so that indicia 54 are precisely applied to pre-filledcontainer 22.

Information-application apparatus 10 may be scaled as appropriate toaccommodate the requirements of a particular pharmacy. FIG. 15 shows analternative information-application apparatus embodiment 10′ mounted onan exemplary automatic pre-filled container dispenser 226. Suchembodiment is intended for use in a medium volume pharmacy environmentas either a stand-alone component or part of an overall WMS system 80.

FIGS. 16 and 17 show a further alternative embodimentinformation-application apparatus 10″ in a stand-alone configuration.Such embodiment is intended for use in a low volume pharmacy environmentas a stand-alone component.

Apparatus 10′ and 10″ share common parts and operational features withembodiment 10 and like reference numbers are used to describe like partsof apparatus 10, 10′ and 10″. The description of the structure andoperation of apparatus 10 is incorporated herein by reference withrespect to apparatus 10′ and 10″. Printer 12 is not shown in FIGS. 15-17to facilitate understanding of apparatus 10′ and 10″.

Referring to FIG. 15, embodiment 10′ includes a housing 135 (shown in apartial cutaway view) secured to dispenser 226 and a base 137 secured tohousing 135. Dispenser 226 automatically dispenses a pre-filledcontainer 22 into chute 128 through top opening 126. Chute 128 directspre-filled container 22 to base 227 adjacent positioner 14.

Referring to FIGS. 16 and 17, embodiment 10″ includes housing 135 (shownin a partial cutaway view) and a stand 228 with legs, such as leg 231.Stand 228 is not required and housing 135 could be adapted to rest on atabletop surface (not shown). A pharmacy worker drops a pre-filledcontainer 22 into chute 128 through top opening 126. Chute 128 directspre-filled container 22 to base 227 adjacent positioner 14 as inembodiment 10′.

Each embodiment 10′ and 10″ includes a reader 86, a positioner 14including a drive roller 150, motor 152, drive roller surface 154 andmotor controller 156 as described in connection with embodiment 10.Embodiments 10′ and 10″ also include a gripper 18 as described inconnection with embodiment 10. Gripper 18 includes gripper member 158,idler roller supports 160, 162, idler rollers 164, 166 actuators 168,176, 178, pistons 180, 182 and linkages 184, 186, 188 and 190 asdescribed in connection with embodiment 10. Member 158 translates onguides 170, 172 and operates to position a pre-filled container 22 toform a label-receiving nip 194 in the same manner as described inconnection with embodiment 10. Embodiments 10′ and 10″ accommodatepre-filled containers 22 of different sizes as described in connectionwith embodiment 10.

Each of the information-application apparatus embodiments 10′ and 10″ isadapted to operate with a printer (not shown) and printer feed mechanism(not shown) of a type as printer 12 and feed mechanism 205 shown anddescribed in connection with embodiment 10. The printer is preferablyutilized to supply a label 56 for precise placement on pre-filledcontainer 22. Feed mechanism 205 delivers a web 204 of label materialfrom a roll to a peel bar and skid plate 224 using powered rollers and atake-up reel as with embodiment 10.

Referring to FIGS. 18A and 18B, each embodiment 10′ and 10″ is providedwith control apparatus 16. Control apparatus 16 for apparatus 10′ maycomprise computer 104 and controller 96 (such as a PLC) as described inconnection with information-application apparatus 10. Control apparatus16 of embodiment 10″ may comprise an on-board controller 104 asrepresented schematically in FIG. 18B. Apparatus 10′ and 10″ mayoptionally interface with a PIS 100 through any suitable means includingcomputer 102 and 104. A database 106 residing on computer 104 enablesoperation of embodiments 10′ and 10″ to precisely apply information 54as described in connection with embodiment 10. A user interface 240,such as a touch screen display, is provided to permit a pharmacy workerto interface with stand-alone apparatus 10″.

Optionally, each of embodiments 10′ and 10″ is provided with an ejectionmechanism in the form of a linear actuator 230. Piston (not shown) ofactuator 230 extends to push a labeled pre-filled container 22 intodischarge chute 234 for manual removal by a pharmacy worker.

FIGS. 14A, 14B and 14C are a diagram showing the software logic flowfrom the point where a pre-filled container 22 arrives at positioner 14.Accordingly, such logic flow describes operation of each of apparatus10, 10′ and 10″. The logic flow is described in connection with FIGS.13A-13G which illustrate operation of a positioner 14 utilized in eachof embodiments 10, 10′ and 10″.

As is apparent, the manner in which pre-filled container 22 arrives atpositioner 14 is not critical. For automated systems, any number ofdifferent dispensers and types of container transport mechanisms 84 maybe used. A dispenser (e.g., dispenser 82 or 226) and container transportmechanism 84 are not required; pre-filled container 22 may be manuallyselected from inventory and manually introduced to apparatus 10 as isnoted with alternative embodiments 10′ and 10″ discussed herein.

The logic flow diagrams 14A, 14B and 14C describe operation ofinformation-application apparatus 10, 10′ and 10″ adapted to preciselyapply patient-specific information 54 by means of label 56. Referringthen to FIG. 14A, a labeling cycle is initiated (point 300) upondelivery of pre-filled container 22 to information-application apparatus10 as indicated in step 302. Once pre-filled container 22 is deliveredto information-application apparatus 10, 10′ and 10″, positioner 14 willcapture pre-filled container 22 and position it to receive label 56(step 304).

Capture of pre-filled container 22 is illustrated in FIGS. 13A and 13B.Instructions residing on computer 104 and, optionally on controller 96,control operation of actuators 168, 176, 178 to manipulate gripper 18 toclamp pre-filled container 22 against drive roller 150. As shown in FIG.13A, actuator 176 partially retracts idler roller support 162 to permitpre-filled container 22 to pass. Actuator 178 partially extends idlerroller support 160 and idler roller 166 across the path of a releasedcontainer 22 moving on conveyor 130 to block further movement ofpre-filled container 22.

Next, and as shown in FIG. 13B, gripper member 158 is moved toward driveroller by means of actuator 168. Actuators 168, 176 and 178 furtherextend in a self-centering manner until rollers 164 and 166 clamppre-filled container 22 firmly against drive roller 150. The preferredpositioner 14 gripper mechanism 18 shown in FIGS. 13A-13G willautomatically adjust to accommodate multiple pre-filled container 22diameters to locate pre-filled containers 22 in the proper position toreceive a patient-specific label 56. According to step 304, positioner14 (through motor 152 and drive roller 150) spins pre-filled container22 clamped against drive roller 150.

In step 306, and as shown in FIG. 13B, motor 152 powers drive roller 150to rotate counterclockwise in the direction of arrow 192. Spinning ofpre-filled container 22 triggers reader 86 to read machine-readableinformation 50 identifying pre-filled container 22 to database 106 oncomputer 104. As noted elsewhere, reader 86 is configured to read barcode 50 of indicia 24 or a data storage device 51 associated withpre-filled containers 22 to identify container 22.

Reader 86 remains in operation until a determination is made (decisionpoint 308) that the data has been read or a time out occurs at decisionpoint 310. If the data is read, the data is transmitted to computer 104in step 312.

In step 314, computer 104 performs a database query to determine ifinformation-application apparatus 10, 10′ and 10″ has the correctpre-filled container 22 and to determine what time duration parametersto use to apply label 56. As noted elsewhere, database 106 can be alocal database containing only the information required to operateinformation-application apparatus 10, 10′ and 10″ or a remote databasecontaining information for operation of multiple areas of the pharmacy.Preferably, database 106 is integrated directly with the PPS software,reducing the amount of redundant data and communications.

In the event that pre-filled container 22 is incorrect or that a timeout has occurred because the container bar code 50 cannot be read(decision point 316), positioner 14 will stop spinning pre-filledcontainer 22 and release the un-labeled pre-filled container 22 at step318. A reject station (not shown) will reject pre-filled container 22into an error bin (not shown) ending the cycle (point 320).

If pre-filled container 22 is correct, computer 104 will communicate asignal representing label offset data to the controller 96 andinformation-application apparatus 10, 10′ and 10″ (step 322). Suchoffset data may represent a time duration between which reference point52 is identified and when the leading edge 220 of label 56 is to beaffixed to pre-filled container 22. Drive roller 150 of positioner 14preferably will continue to rotate pre-filled container 22. Computer 104detects the rotation and triggers reader 86 to read the position ofreference point 52 on pre-filled container 22 (step 324). Reader 86 hasthe capability to read container reference point 52 component of indicia24 (and a data storage device 51 if provided). Reference point 52 andbar code 50 of indicia 24 can be the same component. One embodiment ofthis is to use bar code 50 containing the container identificationinformation as both the identification component and reference point 52.As illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 5, leading edge of bar code 50 could serveas reference point 52.

Referring next to FIG. 14B, once reference point 52 is identified(decision point 326), positioner 14 continues to rotate pre-filledcontainer 22 for a time duration based on information provided bycomputer 104 for the specific pre-filled container 22 in process.Rotation continues until reference point 52 is in the proper position inrelation to label printer 12 print element 200 (step 328). If referencepoint 52 is not identified within a timeout period (decision point 330),positioner 14 will stop spinning pre-filled container 22 and release theunlabeled container 22 (step 332). The reject station (not shown) willreject pre-filled container 22 into an error bin ending the cycle (point334).

Next, a determination is made at point 336 regarding whether printer 12is ready to print patient-specific label 56. Printer 12 may be incapableof printing due to a mechanical failure, depletion of ink or shortage oflabel material 204. If printer 12 is not ready to print label 56(decision point 336), then positioner 14 stops rotating pre-filledcontainer 22 (step 338). Printer 12 is queried again to determinewhether printer 12 is capable of printing label 56 at decision point340. The query continues until a timeout determination is made atdecision point 342. If a timeout occurs, positioner 14 releasesunlabeled container 22 at step 344 ending the process at point 346.

Referring again to FIG. 14B and to FIGS. 13C, 13D, if printer 12 isready, the positioner 14 spins the pre-filled container 22 (step 348) tothe proper indicia-receiving position (FIG. 13C), label 56 is printedand is fed into nip 194 by feed mechanism 205 of powered rollers 206-216associated with printer 12. Drive roller 150 will spin pre-filledcontainer 22 and wrap printed label 56 around pre-filled container 22(step 350). FIG. 13D schematically illustrates a patient-specific label56 being pulled through nip 194 with the label adhesive backed side 198facing pre-filled container 22. FIGS. 4, 5 and 13D-13F show an examplein which patient-specific label 56 is intentionally offset from the edgeof the manufacturer's label 26 based on positioning information indatabase 106 residing on computer 104.

Referring to FIGS. 14C and 13E, once patient-specific label 56 iswrapped, a verification step 352 occurs to confirm that the correctpatient-specific label 56 has been applied to pre-filled container 22.Reader 86 is triggered in step 352. FIG. 13E schematically illustratesthe label verification process. Reader 86 scans bar code 78 onpatient-specific label 56 as pre-filled container 22 is rotated pastreader 86.

A separate reader (not shown) could be provided to read the informationon patient-specific label 56 depending on the nature of thatinformation. For example, printer 12 could imprint the label with anRFID transponder or with indicia (for example a 2D bar code) moresuitable for detection with a camera. Whether reader 86 comprises one ormore devices, reader 86 must have the ability to read the labelverification component of indicia 54 or data storage device.

At decision point 354, a determination is made regarding whether barcode 78 on label 56 has been properly read. If bar code 78 has not beenread, reader 86 continues to attempt to read bar code 78 until a timeoutoccurs (decision point 356). If the bar code 78 has been properly read,the label data is compared in database 106 against the expected data fora pending prescription order being fulfilled and a pass/faildetermination is made (decision point 358).

If the timeout occurs or if the label 56 and bar code 78 fails the testat decision point 358, the positioner device 14 will stop spinning andrelease pre-filled container 22 (step 360). The computer 104 will thenrecord the container 22 as “bad” or defective (step 362) and the cycleis ended at point 364.

If the label passes the test at decision point 358, then positionerdevice 14 will stop spinning and release pre-filled container 22 (step366). In this event, computer 104 will record pre-filled container 22 as“good” at (step 368). Pre-filled container 22 will be released forfulfillment of the patient prescription order ending the labeling cycleat point 364.

FIG. 13F schematically illustrates the process wherein labeledpre-filled container 22 is released. Actuator 168, retracts member 158and actuators 168, 170 retract a respective support 160, 162. Labeled,pre-filled stock container 22 is now free to move away from theinformation application apparatus 10 under the power of conveyor 130.

Optional additional verification steps not shown on FIGS. 14A-14C may beundertaken. For instance, conveyor 130 may transport labeled pre-filledcontainer 22 to reject station (not shown) where label 56 is again readby a reader (not shown). If the information in bar code 78 matches theexpected data, pre-filled container 22 is considered “good” and willtravel beyond the reject station. If the information in bar code 78 doesnot match the expected data, or the if the data in bar code 78 wasunreadable, pre-filled container 22 is considered “bad” and will berejected into an error bin.

Referring to FIGS. 4 and 5, the output of information-applicationapparatus 10, 10′ and 10″ is a patient-specific pre-filled container 22with information specific to the patient prescription order appliedthereto. The pre-filled, non-specific stock container 22 has beenconverted to a patient-specific container 22 suitable for fulfillment ofa patient prescription order without any requirement for specialmodification.

Advantageously, patient-specific label 56 is precisely positioned onpre-filled container 22 so as to optimize the value of indicia 24provided by the manufacturer, repackager or other supplier. Referringspecifically to exemplary pre-filled container 22 in FIGS. 4 and 5, itis immediately apparent that patient-specific label 56 has beenprecisely positioned in a way which leaves lot number 38, expirationdate 40, medication name 32, strength 34, quantity 44, bar code 50 andNDC 42 accessible for use by pharmacy management and the patient. Thisvaluable information has not been covered and rendered inaccessible aswould be the case with indiscriminate placement of the patient-specificlabel 56 on the pre-filled container 22.

A pharmacist or other person working in the pharmacy, therefore, may beable to use both the information embodied in indicia 24 supplied witheach pre-filled container 22 as well as information embodied in indicia54 provided on patient-specific label 56 to verify the suitability ofthe medication for the patient. Bar code 50 supplied with pre-filledcontainer 22 can be scanned together with the patient-specific bar code78 to provide machine verification that the contents are suitable forthe patient and are as called for by the prescription order. The abilityto match pre-filled container 22 contents with patient label 56automatically may remove the need to have a pharmacist verify theprescription order, thus creating a significant reduction in the costassociated with filling a prescription order. Also as shown in FIGS. 4and 5, it is apparent that the patient may easily read indicia 24supplied with pre-filled container 22. This presents a furtheropportunity for the patient to ensure that the correct medication orother product has been provided.

While the principles of this invention have been described in connectionwith specific embodiments, it should be understood clearly that thesedescriptions are made only by way of example and are not intended tolimit the scope of the invention.

What is claimed is:
 1. A system for application of patient-specificinformation to drug containers comprising: a positioner configured toadjust containers including a bar code; a bar code reader configured toread a bar code; a labeler which applies labels includingpatient-specific information to the containers; and an electroniccontrol device operably coupled to the positioner, the bar code readerand the labeler; wherein the electronic control device is programmed tocontrol the positioner to adjust the containers to a label-receivingorientation at the labeler which applies the label based at least inpart on the alpha-numeric information and the bar code.
 2. The system ofclaim 1 further comprising a database accessible by the electroniccontrol device, the database including, for each container, positioninginformation utilized by the electronic control device to rotate thecontainers for a proper amount of time such that the adhesive label isapplied without obscuring a portion of the alpha-numeric information ora portion of the bar code.
 3. The system of claim 1 wherein theelectronic control device is configured to determine an initialorientation of the containers based upon information read by the barcode reader.
 4. The system of claim 1 wherein the positioner furthercomprises a gripper configured to engage the containers; and a drivemechanism operative to adjust the containers when engaged by the gripperto the label-receiving orientation.
 5. The system of claim 4 wherein thedrive mechanism comprises: a motor; and a drive roller operativelycoupled to the motor, wherein the electronic control device isconfigured to control the motor to drive the drive roller.
 6. The systemof claim 5 wherein the gripper comprises a pair of idler rollers, theidler rollers being positionable to urge the containers against thedrive roller such that rotation of the drive roller moves the containersto the label-receiving orientation.
 7. The system of claim 6 wherein thelabeler comprises: a label source; a print element adapted to print thepatient-specific information on the labels; a feed mechanism adapted tosupply the labels to the print element from the label source; a peel barconfigured to remove a backing from the labels exposing an adhesivesurface; and a guide bar configured to direct the adhesive surface ofthe respective labels into contact with an outer surface of thecontainers.
 8. The system of claim 1 wherein the adhesive labels eachinclude a leading edge and trailing edge, wherein the labeler appliesthe respective adhesive label to the respective container by firstbringing the leading edge of the respective adhesive label into contactwith the respective container and then sequentially affixing therespective adhesive label to the respective container in a directionfrom the leading edge to the trailing edge.
 9. The system of claim 1further comprising: a dispenser operatively connected to the electroniccontrol device and adapted to store and dispense the containers; and atransport mechanism configured to deliver the containers from thedispenser to the positioner.
 10. The system of claim 9 wherein thetransport mechanism comprises a conveyor.
 11. The system of claim 10further comprising an apparatus configured to collect and sort labeledcontainers such that containers for a common prescription order aregrouped together.
 12. The system of claim 1 wherein the positionerfurther comprises: a first idler roller; a second idler roller; a firstactuator coupled to the first idler roller and configured to move thefirst idler roller independent of the second idler roller; and a secondactuator coupled to the second idler roller and configured to move thesecond idler roller independent of the first idler roller, wherein thefirst and second actuators are configured to the move the first andsecond idler rollers, respectively, to bring the first and second idlerrollers into contact with the container.
 13. A system for application ofpatient-specific information to a drug container having a first labelrepresentative of the container contents comprising: a positionerconfigured to position the container, the first label covers at least aportion of the container; a labeler configured to print and to apply asecond label including patient-specific information to the container;and a controller operably coupled to the positioner and the labeler, thecontroller configured to control the labeler to print patient-specificinformation on the second label, to control the positioner to orient thecontainer relative to the labeler at least partially based on a locationof the first label, and to control the labeler to move the second labelinto contact with the container.
 14. The system of claim 13 furthercomprising a reader operatively connected to the controller, the readerconfigured to detect a reference point and to communicate informationregarding the reference point to the controller, wherein the controllerutilizes the information regarding the reference point to control thepositioner to orient the container.
 15. The system of claim 14 whereinthe positioner is configured to rotate the container at least partiallybased on the information regarding the reference point.
 16. The systemof claim 15 wherein the reader is further configured to readcontainer-identification information associated with the container andcommunicate the container-identification information to the controller,and wherein the controller is configured to identify the container basedon the container-identification information.
 17. The system of claim 13wherein the second label is an adhesive label, wherein the second labelincludes a leading edge and trailing edge, wherein the labeler appliesthe second label to the container by first bringing the leading edge ofthe second label into contact with the container and then sequentiallyaffixing the label to the container in a direction from the leading edgeto the trailing edge.
 18. The system of claim 17 wherein the controlleris configured to control the labeler such that both the leading edge andthe trailing edge of the second label are attached to the containerafter attachment of the second label such that the first label does notoverlap the first label.
 19. A method of adapting a stock container foruse as a patient-specific container through application of a labelincluding patient-specific information to the container comprising thesteps of: providing the stock container to a labeler in a firstorientation, the container having a reference point and a first labelincluding first indicia representative of the container contents;determining the first orientation of the container based at least partlyon the reference point; controlling a positioner with the electroniccontrol device to move the container from the first orientation to alabel application orientation based upon the determined firstorientation of the container; printing a second label including patientspecific information via a labeler; and controlling the labeler with theelectronic control device to move at least one of the second label andthe container into contact.
 20. The method of claim 19 whereincontrolling the labeler to move at least one of the second label and thecontainer comprises bringing a leading edge of the second label intocontact with the container and then affixing the second label to thecontainer in a direction from the leading edge to a trailing edge.